Manufacturing leaders set to lobby senior MPs on help for the sector

MANUFACTURING leaders will make their voice heard at the highest levels of government and explore strategies for growth and re-invigorated international focus at the EEF National Manufacturing Conference and Manufacturers’ dinner next month.

The conference, which takes place in London on March 6, will include a keynote speech from Dick Olver, chairman of BAE Systems, who will share his views on the challenges facing UK manufacturing and his experiences of building a multinational business.

Active industrial policy will be the subject of keynote speeches at the conference by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Labour leader Ed Milliband. Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne will address guests at the EEF’s biennial manufacturers’ dinner.  

Sir Richard Needham, who made the transition from Minister of Trade to Director of Dyson, is part of the conference line up. He will join the Manufacturing Question Time panel, alongside Dick Olver; Alexander Baldock, managing director of Lombard; Jan Ward, chief executive of Corrotherm International, and Maggie Pagano, business editor of the Independent on Sunday.

Polling technology will be used to take views on a range of key issues, such as the UK’s competitiveness as a place to do business, confidence in the government’s manufacturing policies and key factors affecting investment decisions.

Terry Scuoler, EEF chief executive, said: “The conference, timed just ahead of the Budget, provides a golden opportunity to remind government that manufacturing requires help, not hindrance, to fulfil its pivotal role in leading the UK through economic recovery.  

“Bold measures are required to champion industrial-led growth and to set a new compass to seize opportunities in expanding international markets. We will be taking our rally call to the top of government.”  

Many of the UK’s leading manufacturers will be attending the conference.